The placed looked pretty good with the brewhouse on display and fermentors out in the open, and an overall wood/tile look with some interesting barrel-lights overhead. At least they tried, but I didn't think the design was great as it seemed half-formed, or at least done under a strict budget. At the very least it's functional, just unimpressive.

As for service, I hate sitting at the bar unattended waiting to order my first beer. I've tended bar, and even at your busiest you can make eye contact to imply "I've seen you and I'll be over" - to not receive even that on a slow afternoon is bizarre. Following that, service seemed entirely lackadaisical, as if our server was about to end his shift and knew he'd be turning it over to someone else - which is even more unacceptable.

The food was good, perhaps even "very good", and the prices were for the most part reasonable, but I didn't find it to be any better than any other restaurant in its class.

As to the beer, I was pleased that 4 of their beers were 'brewpub' beers, and they also have two casks via hand pump (although I'm not sure how often they're used). I can get the regular Cigar City beers anytime, but I understand that they can't produce everything out of the brewpub.

Overall, fairly basic but with good food, and surprisingly bad service at the bar (where you should get the best service). I'd normally say that I'd have to give them a second chance but it's been 8 months and I really just don't care to go back. I'd probably rather just go to the Brick House or Mellow Mushroom, as sacrilegious as that might seem. (1,668 characters)

Real nice ccb extention, beyond the great ccb beer basics, the brewpub brews are hit and miss but always at least good and flavorful, food is generally good but limited selection. Service can be slow. (200 characters)